Vietnam Travel in 15 days with Mai Chau from HCMC - Hanoi

Vietnam, a traditional country with 4000 year culture is an interesting place for any traveler to dicover and have memorable time. Besides that Vietnam has fascinating Mekong rivers with floating markets, exciting new cities, ancient town, white sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, many world's heritage sites, great cuisine..., which will definitely make your Vietnam holiday a lifetime experience!

Tour Highlights: Vietnam, a traditional country with 4000 year culture is an interesting place for any traveler to dicover and have memorable time. Besides that Vietnam has fascinating Mekong rivers with floating markets, exciting new cities, ancient town, white sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, many world's heritage sites, great cuisine..., which will definitely make your Vietnam holiday a lifetime experience!

Tour Itinerary: Your tour is an individual tour with a flexible schedule. There is no other traveler on the tour. You will have a private English speaking tour guide (other language on request) and a private air-conditioned vehicle at each destination.Note:

• This tour is just a suggested itinerary and we can always customize it to suit your travel date, type of travel, length of stay, budget, activities, etc.
• Your tour is an individual tour with a flexible schedule. There is no other traveler on the tour. You will have a private English speaking tour guide (other language on request) and a private air-conditioned vehicle at each destination.
• The price could be lower if you travel in group.
• Tour prices may vary by your travel date, departure city, accommodation, exchange rate and other special requests.
• We also provide online application for Vietnam visa on arrival. Please click Vietnam visa for more information.

Payment Method:
• If you decide to book, we will require deposit which is 30% of the total tour cost by credit cards or wire transfer. The balance (outstanding) will be paid on your arrival in cash, credit cards or combination.

Cancellation Policy:
• Before 30 days: Refund 50% of deposit
• Between 20 – 29 days prior to departure: Refund 30% of deposit
• Between 10 – 19 days prior to departure: Refund 10% of deposit
• Between 01 – 9 days prior to departure: Full charge 100% of deposit

Our cancellation policy is various based on real situation. In case of cancellation, we will try our best to discuss with our suppliers to get a best refund for you. However, refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after the tour arrangements have commenced.

Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi Tunnels tour arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence where you will understand more about the Vietnam War or American War, a must see Vietnam Tour for any tourists to learn about Vietnam past and present days. Afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh visit the War Remnants and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Liberty Central Hotel / Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Rex Hotel / West Wing – Premium

Day 3

Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Can Tho (B, L) (G)

Today we will start our exploration of the Mekong Delta, a major rice producing area. This must be one of the most fascinating riverine deltas in the world. The Mekong splits into nine major arteries. A vast network of rivers and waterways with thousands of ships of all sizes plowing the waters gives the Mekong Delta a very special atmosphere and no double one of the most favorite destinations for Vietnam Tours. On arrival, we will make a boat trip to the Cai Be floating Market, visit villages and meet the people of the Mekong Delta. Continue your boat trip to An Binh Island for Lunch in a local family and bike trip in the afternoon. Continue to Can Tho – the heart of Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Check in on your arrival, free at leisure and overnight in a Can Tho hotel.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Iris Hotel/ Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golf Can Tho Hotel/ Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Victoria Can Tho Hotel/ Superior

Day 4

Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City - Flight to Danang - Hoi An (B, L) (G)

After breakfast, we will head to the largest marketplace in the area – Cai Rang floating market, the highlight of many Vietnam tour packages. Here you can cruise through the channels and check out what's on offer in this incredible market that exists entirely on the water!
From here, we'll head to visit a rice noodle making village, where you can learn how your daily noodles are made! Then we head down the river to the Monkey Bridge over the Delta, and find yet another glorious floating market for lunch. At around noon, we drive to back to Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh CityAccommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 5

Hoi An Biking & Farming Tour OR My Son & Hoi An Tour (B, L) (G)

Opt1: Hoi An Biking & Farming Tour
Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic countryside of Vietnam, far from the traffic the motor scooters, and the noises the city. You will cross the islands on the Song Thu river delta using local transportation, including ferries and floating bridges...
This Hoi An tour will take you on a visit to artisans making bricks according to age-old. You will discover how wooden river boats are made and learn the secret of weaving the colorful straw Hoi An sleeping mats. Try the renowned Vietnamese basket boats. You will spend the day with first-hand contact with one of the rural inhabitant of the region, far from the usual tourist circuits. At lunchtime you will be invited into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese meal, and learn their customs and traditions. After you have relaxed for a while under the shade of a mango tree, you will begin your return towards Hoi An, which will take about an hour. Overnight in Hoi An.Opt 2: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (47 USD)
Visit to My Son Holy land in the morning, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. In the afternoon, drive back to Hoi An with visit the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the colourful riverside market. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 6

Hoi An Free Day (B)

At leisure. Relax on the private beach, by the resort pool or optional is to rent a bicycle to ride into Hoi An to explore the picturesque central of town with its restored 18th century merchants’ houses. Hoi An also boasts some of the best silk shops, art galleries and handicraft shops in Vietnam as well as dozens of excellent restaurants serving the delicious local specialities. Overnight in Hoi An.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 7

Hoi An – Drive to Hue (B, L) (G)

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Hue. During the way, we pass the villages and rice paddies. You might want to stop for a nice swim at the white sandy beach of Danang or visit the famous Cham Museum before traveling over the picturesque Hai Van Pass to Hue. Stop for photos at Lang Co Beach and break. On arrival, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hue.Accommodation at:
• 3 star hotel: Romance Hue/ Deluxe city view
• 4 star hotel: Imperial Hue/ Deluxe city view
• 5 star hotel: Indochina Palace/ Palace Deluxe

Day 8

Hue City Tour - Flight to Hanoi (B, L) (G)

Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the feudal rule from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty and is commonly known as a place of many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges.
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city at 8:00 then drive to visit King Tu Duc and King Khai Dinh tomb, two of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. After that, we'll drive back to the city center with stopovers at villages to learn how people here make conical hat and incense stick. Arriving to the city, we'll visit the unique Royal Arena where Tiger and Elephant fights were held by the Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty.
After lunch and short break at a local restaurant, we'll then continue our Hue day trip with an interesting visit to the Royal Citadel - one of the best places in Hue to experience the tradition, culture and rhythms of the Vietnamese Royal life in the past. The next attraction is Thien Mu Pagoda - a picturesque landscape on the bank of Perfume River, a perfect place to enjoy peaceful and serene atmosphere that also gives you chance to watch praying time of the monks here.
On the way back, we take the beautiful boat trip on romantic Perfume River, enjoy the sunset and relaxing time. Pick up after the boat trip and transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hanoi. Upon your arrival at the airport, Holidaytoindochina's private tour guide and driver will meet you with our welcome sign board then transfer you to the hotel (old quarter's area). Free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 9

Hanoi City Tour (B, L) (G)

This morning, we start the charming Hanoi City Tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex (the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (closed on Monday and Friday), Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts and One Pillar Pagoda), Temple of Literature then lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit the outlaying Museum of Ethnology (you can see the Museum of Fine Art, Museum of Women, Museum of History, Museum of Vietnam Military History, Hilton Prison instead), and then 1 hour cyclo or rickshaw will take you along narrow streets of the diverse Ancient Quarter. Stop at the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son temple and to enjoy a fantastic performance of the famous water puppet show. After the show, we will take you for a walk to "Bia Hoi Corner" to try some draught beer and have leisure time to talk, see and experience the breath of Hanoi. After some beer, our tour guide will take you back to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 10

Hanoi Walking Food Tour – Haft Day Tour in the morning (B, L) (G)

The old quarter in Hanoi is over one thousand years old and today retains much of the old flavor that made the area special in earlier times, each street was the exclusive domain of one trade (guilds) so there are whole streets of blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more.
This morning, our tour guide will meet at your hotel and take a walk around Hanoi's old quarter to enjoy the food tour experience.
Firstly, we will visit one of the local markets in the city to see all different kinds of food that used for a Vietnamese breakfast, lunch, dinner and understand more about life of Vietnamese.
Secondly, we will try Pho – Nice Noodle, a must for many Vietnamese, highlight of Vietnamese cuisine and its name has been known all over the world. Sit down, enjoy the taste of Pho, taste of life and get to know about the history of Vietnamese culture, cuisine...
Next, we walk to explore everyday life of Hanoian, try some more different dishes which are very special, popular and favourite such as;
1. Banh Trung – sticky rice cake
2. Banh Ran - Sticky rice pancake
3. Banh Cuon – rolled sticky rice cake
4. Xoi – Sticky rice with pork
4. Fried Tofu and Vermicelli Shrimp Sauce
5. Bun Cha - Hanoi Style Vermicelli with Grilled Pork
6. Bia Hoi – Draught beer
7. Trung Vit Lon - Fertilized duck eggs
8. Banh Chuoi – Banana pancake
9. Vietnamese coffee
10. Mix fruits
Other dished can be added on request. This unforgettable Hanoi food tour will take about 4 hours, and we hope that you will enjoy your time with us.
Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 11

Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley (B, L, D) (G)

Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living it is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area and a memorial experienece for your Vietnam Tours. After breakfast, Holidaytoindochina's private tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and beautiful drive on the hilly road to Mai Chau. On half way, optional, stop for visiting Hoa Binh Hydro Power Station – The biggest power station in Vietnam. You will arrive at Mai Chau around noon. Have lunch and relax. In the afternoon, we will go trekking for 2 hours to visit Lac & Poom Coong villages here you will have chance to see “Tho Cam” - a unique product of Thai people. See the houses on stilts and sink deep in Thai’s customs by enjoying a traditional music show and taste “Ruou Can” – special local wine. Overnight in the home of Thai hill tribe (Ban Lac village)Accommodation: Homestay in Lac Village

Day 12

Mai Chau – Hoa Lu –Trang An Grottoes (B, L) (G)

The next beautiful day of your Vietnam tour started with morning drive to visit Hoa Lu which was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 980 AD and ancient sanctuaries and tombs can still be seen today. Apart from the historical importance, the area is naturally beautiful, referred to many as the “dry Halong Bay,” with limestone peaks and fertile green valleys. After lunch, take the amzing boat trip to visit Trang An grottoes which is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. While rowing through Trang An grottoes in the quiet, fresh air of the highlands, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats, visitors enjoy a heaven on earth. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Accommodation:
• 3&4 star hotel: Ninh Binh Legend Hotel/ Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Emeralda Resort & Spa/ Superior

Day 13

Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B, L, D) (G)

A "Must" for all Vietnam holidays, Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed on board our luxury junk and treated with wine and fresh local seafood. As our junk gliding further into the tranquility of Ha Long Bay amid the towering mountain cliffs and on the emerald green water, you'll have relaxing time combining the fine tastes of the wine and the freshness of Ha Long Bay. During the cruise, we'll stop some times for visiting the amazing Sung Sot cave and the Ti Top white sand beach before anchoring for the night. Overnight on board the junk in the wild of Halong Bay.Accommodation:
• 3 star cruise: Oriental Sails/ Superior
• 4 star cruise: Indochina Sails /Superior
• 5 star cruise: Indochina Junk - Dragon Legend Cruise/ DeluxeIt is said that your Vietnam Tours will not be complete without a tour to Halong Bay and spending one night on romantic Halong Cruise. People describe Halong Bay as majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious and words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.
After breakfast, we'll take a little sampan to visit a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that our cruise takes us further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island, and the Duck Islet... to the studio site where the famous Indochine film was shot. Around noon, our junk travels back to the harbor, pick up and drive back to Hanoi. On the way, you can visit Phu Lang pottery village or Con Son pagoda.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 14

Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi (Brunch) (G)

It is said that your Vietnam Tours will not be complete without a tour to Halong Bay and spending one night on romantic Halong Cruise. People describe Halong Bay as majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious and words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.
After breakfast, we'll take a little sampan to visit a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that our cruise takes us further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island, and the Duck Islet... to the studio site where the famous Indochine film was shot. Around noon, our junk travels back to the harbor, pick up and drive back to Hanoi. On the way, you can visit Phu Lang pottery village or Con Son pagoda.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 15

Hanoi Departure (B) (G)

It is free day until we take you back to Noi Bai international airport for your departure flight home or to the next holiday destination. Holidaytoindochina.com would like to thank you so much for your traveling with us. We hope you had a great Vietnam tour and wish to welcome you back.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh city half day (B, L) (G)Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi Tunnels tour arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence where you will understand more about the Vietnam War or American War, a must see Vietnam Tour for any tourists to learn about Vietnam past and present days. Afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh visit the War Remnants and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Liberty Central Hotel / Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Rex Hotel / West Wing – Premium

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (Cai Be Floating Market) – Can Tho (B, L) (G)Today we will start our exploration of the Mekong Delta, a major rice producing area. This must be one of the most fascinating riverine deltas in the world. The Mekong splits into nine major arteries. A vast network of rivers and waterways with thousands of ships of all sizes plowing the waters gives the Mekong Delta a very special atmosphere and no double one of the most favorite destinations for Vietnam Tours. On arrival, we will make a boat trip to the Cai Be floating Market, visit villages and meet the people of the Mekong Delta. Continue your boat trip to An Binh Island for Lunch in a local family and bike trip in the afternoon. Continue to Can Tho – the heart of Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Check in on your arrival, free at leisure and overnight in a Can Tho hotel.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Iris Hotel/ Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golf Can Tho Hotel/ Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Victoria Can Tho Hotel/ Superior

Day 4: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City - Flight to Danang - Hoi An (B, L) (G)After breakfast, we will head to the largest marketplace in the area – Cai Rang floating market, the highlight of many Vietnam tour packages. Here you can cruise through the channels and check out what's on offer in this incredible market that exists entirely on the water!
From here, we'll head to visit a rice noodle making village, where you can learn how your daily noodles are made! Then we head down the river to the Monkey Bridge over the Delta, and find yet another glorious floating market for lunch. At around noon, we drive to back to Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh CityAccommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 5: Hoi An Biking & Farming Tour OR My Son & Hoi An Tour (B, L) (G)Opt1: Hoi An Biking & Farming Tour Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic countryside of Vietnam, far from the traffic the motor scooters, and the noises the city. You will cross the islands on the Song Thu river delta using local transportation, including ferries and floating bridges...
This Hoi An tour will take you on a visit to artisans making bricks according to age-old. You will discover how wooden river boats are made and learn the secret of weaving the colorful straw Hoi An sleeping mats. Try the renowned Vietnamese basket boats. You will spend the day with first-hand contact with one of the rural inhabitant of the region, far from the usual tourist circuits. At lunchtime you will be invited into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese meal, and learn their customs and traditions. After you have relaxed for a while under the shade of a mango tree, you will begin your return towards Hoi An, which will take about an hour. Overnight in Hoi An.Opt 2: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (47 USD)Visit to My Son Holy land in the morning, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. In the afternoon, drive back to Hoi An with visit the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the colourful riverside market. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 6: Hoi An free day (B)At leisure. Relax on the private beach, by the resort pool or optional is to rent a bicycle to ride into Hoi An to explore the picturesque central of town with its restored 18th century merchants’ houses. Hoi An also boasts some of the best silk shops, art galleries and handicraft shops in Vietnam as well as dozens of excellent restaurants serving the delicious local specialities. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An – Drive to Hue (B, L) (G)After breakfast, we say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Hue. During the way, we pass the villages and rice paddies. You might want to stop for a nice swim at the white sandy beach of Danang or visit the famous Cham Museum before traveling over the picturesque Hai Van Pass to Hue. Stop for photos at Lang Co Beach and break. On arrival, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hue.Accommodation at:
• 3 star hotel: Romance Hue/ Deluxe city view
• 4 star hotel: Imperial Hue/ Deluxe city view
• 5 star hotel: Indochina Palace/ Palace Deluxe

Day 8: Hue city tour - Flight to Hanoi (B, L)(G)Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the feudal rule from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty and is commonly known as a place of many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges.

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city at 8:00 then drive to visit King Tu Duc and King Khai Dinh tomb, two of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. After that, we'll drive back to the city center with stopovers at villages to learn how people here make conical hat and incense stick. Arriving to the city, we'll visit the unique Royal Arena where Tiger and Elephant fights were held by the Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty.
After lunch and short break at a local restaurant, we'll then continue our Hue day trip with an interesting visit to the Royal Citadel - one of the best places in Hue to experience the tradition, culture and rhythms of the Vietnamese Royal life in the past. The next attraction is Thien Mu Pagoda - a picturesque landscape on the bank of Perfume River, a perfect place to enjoy peaceful and serene atmosphere that also gives you chance to watch praying time of the monks here.
On the way back, we take the beautiful boat trip on romantic Perfume River, enjoy the sunset and relaxing time. Pick up after the boat trip and transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hanoi. Upon your arrival at the airport, Holidaytoindochina's private tour guide and driver will meet you with our welcome sign board then transfer you to the hotel (old quarter's area). Free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 9: Hanoi City Tour (B, L) (G)This morning, we start the charming Hanoi City Tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex (the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (closed on Monday and Friday), Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts and One Pillar Pagoda), Temple of Literature then lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit the outlaying Museum of Ethnology (you can see the Museum of Fine Art, Museum of Women, Museum of History, Museum of Vietnam Military History, Hilton Prison instead), and then 1 hour cyclo or rickshaw will take you along narrow streets of the diverse Ancient Quarter. Stop at the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son temple and to enjoy a fantastic performance of the famous water puppet show. After the show, we will take you for a walk to "Bia Hoi Corner" to try some draught beer and have leisure time to talk, see and experience the breath of Hanoi. After some beer, our tour guide will take you back to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe
• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 10: Hanoi Walking Food Tour – Haft Day Tour in the morning (B, L) (G)The old quarter in Hanoi is over one thousand years old and today retains much of the old flavor that made the area special in earlier times, each street was the exclusive domain of one trade (guilds) so there are whole streets of blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more.
This morning, our tour guide will meet at your hotel and take a walk around Hanoi's old quarter to enjoy the food tour experience.
Firstly, we will visit one of the local markets in the city to see all different kinds of food that used for a Vietnamese breakfast, lunch, dinner and understand more about life of Vietnamese.
Secondly, we will try Pho – Nice Noodle, a must for many Vietnamese, highlight of Vietnamese cuisine and its name has been known all over the world. Sit down, enjoy the taste of Pho, taste of life and get to know about the history of Vietnamese culture, cuisine...
Next, we walk to explore everyday life of Hanoian, try some more different dishes which are very special, popular and favourite such as;
1. Banh Trung – sticky rice cake
2. Banh Ran - Sticky rice pancake
3. Banh Cuon – rolled sticky rice cake
4. Xoi – Sticky rice with pork
4. Fried Tofu and Vermicelli Shrimp Sauce
5. Bun Cha - Hanoi Style Vermicelli with Grilled Pork
6. Bia Hoi – Draught beer
7. Trung Vit Lon - Fertilized duck eggs
8. Banh Chuoi – Banana pancake
9. Vietnamese coffee
10. Mix fruits
Other dished can be added on request. This unforgettable Hanoi food tour will take about 4 hours, and we hope that you will enjoy your time with us.
Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Ancient House/Sup
• 4 star hotel: River beach resort/Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Palm Garden Resort/Sup Garden View

Day 11: Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley (B, L, D) (G)Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living it is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area and a memorial experienece for your Vietnam Tours. After breakfast, Holidaytoindochina's private tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and beautiful drive on the hilly road to Mai Chau. On half way, optional, stop for visiting Hoa Binh Hydro Power Station – The biggest power station in Vietnam. You will arrive at Mai Chau around noon. Have lunch and relax. In the afternoon, we will go trekking for 2 hours to visit Lac & Poom Coong villages here you will have chance to see “Tho Cam” - a unique product of Thai people. See the houses on stilts and sink deep in Thai’s customs by enjoying a traditional music show and taste “Ruou Can” – special local wine. Overnight in the home of Thai hill tribe (Ban Lac village)

Accommodation: Homestay in Lac Village

Day 12: Mai Chau – Hoa Lu –Trang An Grottoes (B, L) (G)The next beautiful day of your Vietnam tour started with morning drive to visit Hoa Lu which was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 980 AD and ancient sanctuaries and tombs can still be seen today. Apart from the historical importance, the area is naturally beautiful, referred to many as the “dry Halong Bay,” with limestone peaks and fertile green valleys. After lunch, take the amzing boat trip to visit Trang An grottoes which is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. While rowing through Trang An grottoes in the quiet, fresh air of the highlands, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats, visitors enjoy a heaven on earth. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Accommodation:
• 3&4 star hotel: Ninh Binh Legend Hotel/ Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Emeralda Resort & Spa/ Superior

Day 13: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B, L, D) (G)A "Must" for all Vietnam holidays, Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed on board our luxury junk and treated with wine and fresh local seafood. As our junk gliding further into the tranquility of Ha Long Bay amid the towering mountain cliffs and on the emerald green water, you'll have relaxing time combining the fine tastes of the wine and the freshness of Ha Long Bay. During the cruise, we'll stop some times for visiting the amazing Sung Sot cave and the Ti Top white sand beach before anchoring for the night. Overnight on board the junk in the wild of Halong Bay.Accommodation:
• 3 star cruise: Oriental Sails/ Superior
• 4 star cruise: Indochina Sails /Superior
• 5 star cruise: Indochina Junk - Dragon Legend Cruise/ Deluxe

Day 14: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)(G)It is said that your Vietnam Tours will not be complete without a tour to Halong Bay and spending one night on romantic Halong Cruise. People describe Halong Bay as majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious and words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.
After breakfast, we'll take a little sampan to visit a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that our cruise takes us further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island, and the Duck Islet... to the studio site where the famous Indochine film was shot. Around noon, our junk travels back to the harbor, pick up and drive back to Hanoi. On the way, you can visit Phu Lang pottery village or Con Son pagoda.Accommodation:
• 3 star hotel: Medallion Hotel /Deluxe• 4 star hotel: Golden Silk Hotel /Deluxe
• 5 star hotel: Melia Hotel /Deluxe

Day 15: Hanoi Departure (B)(G)
It is free day until we take you back to Noi Bai international airport for your departure flight home or to the next holiday destination. Holidaytoindochina.com would like to thank you so much for your traveling with us. We hope you had a great Vietnam tour and wish to welcome you back.

If you do not know how to plan your Vietnam tour and Indochina holiday, please read our FAQ's below to get some information or send us an email at info@holidaytoindochina.comand one of our experienced travel consultants will be ready and happy to answer your questions as well as organise your amazing holiday in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and combination.

How to plan my Vietnam tour/Indochina holiday with you?
1. Send us an inquiry by submiting one of our online forms (Click). Tell us as much information as possible. For example;

Please tell us how many people will be traveling with you, date of birth, if you have children, please tell us how old is/are the kid(s).

Please tell us where and what you want to visit, if you do not know much about Vietnam, just give us your travel plan and ideas.

Most of our tour guide are English speaking tour guides, but if you want another language like French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese... we can always arrange. Please tell us what you do you expect from your guides, for example; you want a guide with sense of humor? Good knowledge in history & culture? Male/Female guide? Talkative/Untalkative? Young/Old guide?

Please advise if you want breakfast included only or also Lunch and Dinner, and please let us know if you are a Vegetarian, the food you can eat or cant not, if you want local food in local restautants or western food in tourist restantant...?

Actually, you do not have to send us all information, but the more we know, the better we plan your Vietnam tour.

2. After we receive your enquiry, one of our professional Vietnam travel consultants reply and send you the suggested tour itinerary as soon as possible.

3. If you accept the suggested tour itinerary (you may modify it till you are satisfied with), we will calculate the tour cost and send you the tour price. If you accept it, please confirm that you would like to book it.

How to proceed to book Vietnam tour/Indochina holiday with you?

When you decide to book your Vietnam tour/Indochina holiday with us, please send us your full name (name on passport) for hotel and domestic flight reservations, and your international flight details (in and out) for airport transfers.

How to pay the deposit and the balance?

Deposit: When the booking is completely confirmed, we will send you confirmation details including confirmed itinerary, invoice, voucher. Then you are required to send the deposit which is about 30% of the total tour cost (can be less). You can pay by credit cards (via onepay gateway, pay online), wire/bank transfer, western union. The deposit is used to pay the flight tickets, hotels, train tickets in advance.

Balance: You can pay the outstanding balance 2 weeks before your arrival, or you can pay us on your arrival in Vietnam by credit cards, cash (AUD, USD, EUROS, VND...)

More about credit card payment via OnePay: ONEPAY - ONLINE PAYMENT GATEWAY (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX & JCB ACCEPTED)
Like PayPal, OnePAY is a payment gateway but specialized in Vietnam where the PayPal has not yet reached. This is a perfect and the first payment processor which gains reputation among clients about its efficiency and timely friendly support.

OnePAY in cooperation with biggest bank in Vietnam - Vietcombank which has been implemented this service among many tour operators in Vietnam.

OnePAY is approved by MasterCard for this payment collection on the behalf of us. OnePAY uses SSL Verisign® over internet transaction under 3D-Secure program by respective creditcard companies so you are free from worries your card information disclosed. OnePAY payment portal also meets standards of international financial system such as PCI DSS of PCI Security Standards Council, 3D-Secure of Visa, MasterCard and JCB.

Note: Before coming, please make sure you have all travel documents such as; confirmed tour, invoice, flight tickets..., especially the visa to Vietnam and Indochina is done.

What about tipping?

The tour guides and drivers expect tips, but it is not mandatory. You can tip more or less, or nothing that depends on the serviced provided. We recommend that you trip the tour guides; US$ 10 - 15 per day anddrivers: US$ 7-10 per day. Tipping at restaurants, tuk tuk, cyclo, taxi..., our tour guides will give you the advice.

Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for;

Family with kids and children < 12 years old

Disable people

People of old ages (> 65 years old)

Repeated clients who have the second trip with us

Travel in big group of friends, families (the more people, the cheaper the price is)

We offer big discounts in low season (May - September)

Is there any charge if i change my travel dates, tour itinerary, hotels...?

We are happy to work on your requests, and will not charge you any money for all extra work. However, if it is too urgent and the date is too close, the hotels or airlines may charge you some money, in this case we will let you know.

What is the latest time that I can make my reservation?

We suggest you make reservations at least one month before the departure date. If you decide to travel to Vietnam/Indochina from October to April which is peak season, we recommend that you make the reservations two months (at least one) before your departure date. Late reservations can not be guaranteed for the availability of domestic flights, hotel rooms, etc. However, we can accept urgent booking, just 1-2 days before arrival. Things are possible at Holiday to Indochina.

What about Cancellation policy?

In case of cancellation, we will not impose any charges if we are not being charged and possible to get refund from our suppliers but if our suppliers apply charges for cancellation, you will have to pay those charges that apply. Cancellation policies vary, depending upon the type of service, the time of year, and the reason for cancellation. We will pass on to you all details of any cancellation policy with our transparent reply upon demand.

General cancellation charges that applied by travel services in Vietnam and Indochina.

Domestic flights: 25% of the fares

3 star hotels, train tickets, no charge if you cancel 3-5 days before your arrival. (FIT)

4 star hotels, 7 - 10 days before your arrival (FIT)

5 stars hotels, 10 - 15 days before your arrival (FIT)

However, in peak season, we may have to pay the hotels one month before your arrival to secure the booking, and in this case, the cancellation policy will be based on the hotels' cancellation plolicies.

Can we get refund?

For the unused services, Holiday to Indochina will refund you.

How do I get a visa?

Vietnam Visa - For those who would like to avoid the perhaps lengthening visa procedures with their local Vietnam's Embassies, the service of Vietnam Visa On Arrival is available for help. It is legitimated and supported by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. We recommend that you choose visa upon arrival, as picking up visa at the Vietnam int'l airport/border is quite simple, easy, no additional charges and no fail.

Steps to obtain Visa on arrival
a) Please provide the following information for us to apply for your visa.

1) Full name on passport (male/female)

2) Passport number

3) Date of birth

4) Nationality

5) Date of arrival

6) Date of issue

7) Date of expire

8) Please make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months

b) How long does it take?

It will take 2-3 days (Normal process), 01 day (Urgent process) to get the “Visa Approval Letter” which we will send you via mail. What you need is to print it out and take it along to get the stamp at airports/borders

c) Get the stamp

Upon arrival, you will need to fill in a certain form with your personal information, get the stamp and visa will be done. For this process, you will need to prepare 02 photos (4*6) and $45 USD each in cash which is stamping fee.

Do our tour guides and drivers have meals with us?

The guide and the driver in each destination will dine at the same restaurant as yours. But, they will not join you unless you invite them.

Where can I change our money into Vietnam currency?

We advise you to stop in any Vietnamese bank during the tour (Our tour guides will take you to the bank), you can exchange money at your hotel, but the exchange rate is a bit lower than the bank's exchange rate.

Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?

Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can be used to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them.

Note: If you are to travel to those small cities or even remote rural areas, only cash in Dong can be used.

Do I need to bring my medical record with me?

Yes, we suggest you take your medical record with you in case that you need it in the event of an emergency, and please also take with you your doctor's name, address and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

When I finish my tour in Vietnam, if I still have some local money, what can I do?

Upon leaving Vietnam, if you still have some local money, you can change them back to foreign currency with your passport and the exchange memos given by the banks or money exchange counters. So please keep those exchange memos well whenever you change money.

Private Guide & TransferHolidaytoindochina offers private tour packages across Vietnam and Indochina; During the tour, you will have a private tour guide, private driver, and an air-conditioned vehicle escorting you at every destination you travel across Indochina. This will provide you with maximized personal care, security, and flexibility.

Tour Guide:Holidaytoindochina does understand that a good tour guide will make your Indochina holiday a beautiful time and tour guides who work with us are well-paid, experienced with a university background, eager to exchange our culture, lifestyle, knowledge...with travelers, and have a great passion for their country and understand the personal touch. At every departure, you’ll be escorted & assisted until you have checked in and passed through the security checkpoint. All of our tour guides in Vietnam and other Indochina area are locals. Knowing the area well, they are good at guiding you around and telling background stories of the tour sites, as well as showing you the secret spots for best photos. If any change of itinerary is needed for unexpected reasons, your private tour guides will be more than accommodating in suggesting alternatives to ensure that you always have a wonderful experience

Note: In Sapa or some mountainous areas, we may use local tour guides who come from the ethnic groups like H'Mong, or Red Dao as they know better than anyone else about their land, culture, customs and habits...

Holidaytoindochina's requirements for a good tour guide:

5 years of experience working as a tour guide

Guiding does require more than just hanging out in the sun. Guides must be friendly and good with people, organized enough to keep groups or people on schedule, quick on their feet and ready for the inevitable snafus that arises.

Must be an honest broker of their services and able to take criticism.

Should be qualified at some level in health, health care or first aid.

Able to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

Clear speech and good hearing.

Must not be a alcoholic or No-alcohol during working time or anytime when on tour.

Tour guide is a nurse to take care of visitors, a boss to keep the right itinerary, a teacher to give information, an ambassador to introduce our country, an entertainer

Must be on time every time. Being late or delay is unacceptable.

Check flight tickets, train tickets, meals, weather... to make sure things are in order and inform local office if any changes that might effect the tour.

Solve problems with care when there is dissatisfy. Argument should be averted by courtesy.

If any change of itinerary is needed for unexpected reasons, your private tour guides will be more than accommodating in suggesting alternatives to ensure that you always have a wonderful experience.

Transportation:Holidaytoindochina guarantees to offer the best means of transport during your holiday in Vietnam and Indochina. The safety, comfort and security of our customers come first. We use only the latest modern cars, vans, coaches and all our drivers are full time workers, government licensed in the tourism industry with at least 5 years driving experience. We are fully in control of our quality and service as we own our vehicles.

Holidaytoindochina's requirements for a driver:

Our drivers must have good driving skills with at least 5 years of experience

Our drivers must keep the vehicles clean,

Our drivers are not allowed to hear cell-phone or smoke, chat, drink when driving.

Our drivers must be friendly, helpful.

Our drivers are not allowed to take you to shops unless you ask for.

Your vehicle in each destination is air conditioned, insured, clean, and regularly maintained.